Easter Island Girl for Illustration Friday's "Mystery"

Rapa Nui girl, Easter Island.  Virtual trip for research!  I thought it would be fun to go to Easter Island, wander around the land and festivals in my mind.  I let my eyes feast on all the images I could find, did some quick pencil and color sketches before bed, and let it all sink in overnight.  In the morning I asked my daughter to try out a couple poses for me.  She picked this one on her own, even though I had envisioned something else, and wouldn't you know it, this one worked best.  She got a brief introduction to Maxfield Parrish, one of my favorite artists, and how he used models for his work.  Years ago when we lived in New Hampshire, I was able to see a special exhibit of his works in Manchester.  I admired his use of color and dreamy quality in paintings, illustrations and even theatre sets.  I always fantasized about attempting a mural in my house based on one of his paintings.  Alas, it never happened.  We moved to Arizona, found the Phoenix Art Museum, and I was pleasantly surprised to find another painting by Parrish of the local landscape.  I recognized the artist immediately.  I think of that painting often when I drive and can see those mountains in the distance.